Sunday Streets Returns to Western Addition, Fillmore, North Panhandle and Alamo Square Neighborhoods this Sunday

Release date: Sept. 9, 2011

*** Press Release ***

This coming Sunday, September 11, Sunday Streets returns with the second Western Addition, Fillmore, North Panhandle, Alamo Square Sunday Streets. This event coincides with International Artists Week which wraps up a weeklong celebration of local artists in the Fillmore neighborhood.

“We are proud to hold Sunday Streets in the Western Addition for the second year,” said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “We’re especially excited to highlight the rich musical and artistic culture of the Fillmore corridor this Sunday.”

“Sunday Streets in San Francisco has evolved into an internationally recognized civic institution,” said Tom Nolan, Chairman of the SFMTA Board of Directors. “No matter where it’s held in San Francisco, this program is vital in promoting sustainable transportation, revitalizing neighborhoods and connecting diverse communities.”

“I have been a strong supporter of Sunday Streets for years and am excited by its growing popularity in San Francisco,” said Edward D. Reskin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “As the lead agency for Sunday Streets, the SFMTA plans to continue to grow this program as a way to help residents and visitors get out and experience the best that San Francisco has to offer.”

At 2 p.m. in Fillmore Plaza (Fillmore and O’Farrell streets) low-impact workout sessions will be led by Fillmore native Donna Hunter, who was inspired by the tragic events of 9/11 to become physically active and now weighs 150 lbs. less. She will share her inspiration with others to take the first step to better health.

The Fillmore Community Benefit District is sponsoring activities along the vibrant Fillmore Street merchant corridor, including a climbing wall, live music and entertainment.

Western Addition area organizations including the Jazz Heritage Center, African American Art and Culture Center, Gallery 1307, Sheba Lounge, Yoshi’s and Lush Life Gallery will feature art, music, and hands-on activities that showcase the Fillmore’s rich jazz heritage.

Family-focused activities include an obstacle course by the Junior League of SF, kids’ games and activities by Buchannan YMCA, and a youth bike safety rodeo by YBike

San Francisco’s iconic painted ladies provide a picturesque backdrop for activities in Alamo Square, Andre Theirryand his Zydeco Band. The North Panhandle neighborhood will include special activities for kids of all ages, live music throughout the area, the SF Bike Coalition’s Freedom from Training Wheels, and free bike rentals and repairs at both ends of the route.

Sunday Streets is sponsored by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the City of San Francisco and Livable City, the non-profit fiscal sponsor of Sunday Streets responsible for the day-to-day management of the program.

City agencies, including the San Francisco Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Recreation and Parks Department, and the Department of Public Health provide additional city support. Sunday Streets non-profit partners include the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, which manages Sunday Streets’ volunteer program, the Bay Area Chapter of American Red Cross, which provides medical support and City CarShare, which provides free use of their fleet of cars. Clear Channel Radio, The San Francisco Examiner and Scoutmob provide media sponsorship.

At all Sunday Streets events, the YMCA organizes youth activities and the California Outdoor Rollersports Association and D. Miles a.k.a. “The Godfather of Skate” provide a roller disco, including free skates and lessons. The free bike rentals at Sunday Streets are provided by Bike & Roll, Bay Area Bike Rentals, Blazing Saddles and The New Wheel. Bike repair is provided by Mikes Bikes, REI and Sports Basement.

Major funding for Sunday Streets is provided by Sunday Streets Lead Sponsor Bank of America, supporting sponsors AT&T, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Shape Up SF (a program of the departments of Public Health and Children Youth and Families), California Pacific Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, University of California San Francisco, The California Endowment, Bi-Rite Market, Clif Kid and Google Places.